Draft:World Roma Federation

• Comment: Almost all the sources are primary sources. There re no secondary sources to establish notability. Kindly provide secondary and reliable sources before resubmitting the draft. Thank you. Ibjaja055 (talk) 19:28, 24 August 2024 (UTC)

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The World Roma Federation (WRF) is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to advocating for the rights, dignity, and inclusion of Roma people globally. Established with the mission of promoting self-determination, the WRF plays a critical role in advancing the socio-economic development, cultural preservation, and political representation of the Roma community. The organization works across multiple continents, engaging with international bodies such as the United Nations, the European Union, and other global institutions to address the challenges faced by Roma people.

History

The World Roma Federation was founded by Janos Sztojka in 2013 in Brooklyn, New York. Initially focused on addressing local issues within the Roma community, the organization quickly expanded its reach to Europe. In 2017, the WRF gained international legal personality through its registration as an AISBL (Association Internationale Sans But Lucratif) in Brussels, solidifying its presence and influence in international advocacy. The WRF has played a significant role in shaping international discourse on Roma issues, pushing for their inclusion in global frameworks and promoting the Roma's right to self-determination.

One of the key milestones in the WRF's history was its involvement in drafting the zero draft of the "Pact for the Future," which was presented to the United Nations. This document outlined the strategic goals for Roma inclusion and the necessary actions to address the pervasive discrimination against Roma communities

Structure

The World Roma Federation operates with a democratic governance structure, overseen by an executive board led by the President, Janos Sztojka. The organization’s operations are managed by a Director of International Relations, Deny Dobobrov, who coordinates WRF’s international advocacy efforts and strategic partnerships. The WRF maintains a global presence with offices in New York, Chicago, Brussels, Serbia, and Hungary, along with satellite offices in other regions. The Federation also collaborates with various national and international organizations to further its mission of empowering Roma communities.

Notable Work

The WRF has been involved in numerous initiatives and collaborations aimed at improving the lives of Roma people globally. Some of the notable works and achievements include:

• United Nations Engagement: The WRF has been actively engaged with the United Nations, contributing to various forums and providing input on significant documents. For instance, the WRF's input on the zero draft of the "Pact for the Future" was a critical document that highlighted the needs and aspirations of the Roma people
• Partnership with UNCTAD: In collaboration with UNCTAD, the WRF has pledged to support sustainable development goals (SDGs) that directly impact Roma communities, particularly in areas of economic empowerment and social inclusion
• Special Consultative Status: The WRF holds special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), allowing it to participate in various UN activities and advocate for Roma rights on an international stage.
• Advocacy for Roma Inclusion: The WRF has made substantial contributions to the UN's agenda on minority issues, particularly focusing on Roma inclusion. This includes submissions to the Human Rights Council and other UN bodies, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to address the rights of Roma people
• Meetings with Global Leaders: The WRF has met with various global leaders and officials to advance Roma rights. Notably, the WRF held discussions with the Serbian Ambassador to the UN, advocating for stronger international support for Roma inclusion initiatives
• Partnership with the U.S. State Department: The WRF has formed a significant relationship and partnership with the Office of the Special Representative for Racial Justice and Equity at the U.S. State Department. The organization meets with them regularly and has been invited to participate in their events. This partnership underscores the WRF's commitment to advancing racial justice and equity on an international level, particularly for Roma communities.
• Holocaust Commemoration and Education: The WRF has been deeply involved in efforts to properly commemorate and educate the public about the genocide of Roma during World War II. The U.S. State Department’s Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues, Ellen Germain, invited WRF leaders Janos Sztojka and Deny Dobobrov to the State Department to discuss these issues. Following the meeting, Germain tweeted: "Very happy to welcome Janos Sztojka and Deny Doborov of the World Roma Federation to the State Department today to talk about the need to properly commemorate and educate about the genocide of Roma during WWII" [^6^]. This meeting highlights the WRF's pivotal role in ensuring that the history and experiences of Roma during the Holocaust are recognized and respected.

Achievements

Since its inception, the WRF has achieved several milestones in advocating for Roma rights and recognition:

• 13th World Romani Congress: In 2017, the WRF organized and hosted the 13th World Romani Congress in Hungary, one of the largest gatherings of Roma leaders and activists. This Congress focused on education, economic empowerment, and political representation, solidifying the WRF’s role as a leader in Roma advocacy.
• Proclamation and Legislative Advocacy: The WRF successfully lobbied for the recognition of International Roma Day in Illinois, which led to a Senate resolution passed by the U.S. Congress in 2022. Deny Dobobrov, the Director of International Relations, played a key role in organizing a flag-raising ceremony at the Daley Center in Chicago, which was attended by local officials and the Cook County Human Rights Commission. (see also Romani people in Chicago#cite note-2)
• Cultural and Religious Engagement: The WRF has also been active in promoting Roma culture on the global stage. In a significant event, Giulia Di Rocco, a prominent Roma leader affiliated with the WRF, presented the Romani flag to Pope Francis, symbolizing the recognition and respect for Roma culture within the Catholic Church​.
• Mobile Holocaust Exhibit: The WRF's Mobile Holocaust Exhibit, which commemorates the Romani victims of the Holocaust, has garnered attention from high-level diplomats and international figures. Among the notable attendees were the Archbishop representing the Holy See's mission to the UN, the EU Delegation's Deputy Permanent Representative, Germany's First Officer, Poland's Deputy Ambassador, and representatives from Austria. These meetings highlight the WRF's ability to bring global attention to Roma issues and foster international collaboration.
• International Advocacy: The WRF’s contributions to the UN Digital Library and its statements during UN SDG forums underscore the organization’s commitment to shaping a more inclusive global agenda. The WRF’s advocacy extends to national arenas, as evidenced by its collaboration with Member States UN Missions in bringing Roma issues to the forefront of international discussions.
• Combating Discrimination: The WRF has been at the forefront of addressing discrimination against Roma communities. Notable cases include incidents in Rowland Heights, California, where Romani women were banned from a gas station, and in Burbank, Illinois, where local police were accused of discriminatory actions against Roma individuals. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Roma people and the importance of WRF’s advocacy.

Goals

The World Roma Federation’s primary goals include:

• Advocating for Recognition as a Stateless Nation: The WRF continues to lobby for the recognition of Roma people as a stateless nation, aiming to secure greater political representation and internal self-determination for Roma communities worldwide.
• Promoting Roma Culture and Heritage: The WRF is committed to preserving and promoting Roma culture through various initiatives, including cultural exhibitions, educational programs, and partnerships with global institutions​.
• Ensuring Inclusion in Policy and Decision-Making: The WRF seeks to influence policy at national and international levels to ensure that Roma voices are included in decisions that affect their communities, particularly in relation to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Expanding Global Reach and Impact: The WRF aims to strengthen its global presence by opening new offices and forming strategic partnerships with other organizations dedicated to human rights and social justice.